I agree, the index funds probably sound like the best bet at the moment. I'd like to put some into individual stocks, but until I'm more familiar with the process for evaluating a stock, I'll probably stick with the index funds.

I'm trying to make the divorce as 'amicable' as possible and have declined alimony. I will get $660/month in child support. He makes twice what I make and also has a 403B and 401K that had about $170k in it. So combined, our retirement savings was closer to $400k prior to the decline and divorce. He will also owe me an additional $55k over the next 5 years as a buy out from the marital home (I couldn't afford to keep it without his salary). All of that will be going to retirement as well.

I agree, I've slacked off regarding retirement as I hadn't expected to go through the divorce. But now I'm trying to play catch up and get myself set up going forward.

At the recommendation of several users here, I've also purchased some books by John Bogle. I also have a few by Warren Buffet (am currently reading Snowball). I definately want to handle the funds myself (no more managers for me), but know I need to learn much more about this before I feel comfortable actually 'doing' something with the money.

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